Top Outdoor Activities in Hershey, PA

Love the Outdoors, Sports and Unique Experiences? You’re in the Right Place!

Kayak and Canoes

The Swatara Creek is a designated scenic water way and an area treasure. Our favorite way to enjoy it is in kayaks or canoes but we’ve floated in inner tubes, too. It the most wonderful way to see all kinds of birds including eagles and other critters. The creek is s just two miles from the inn. We highly recommend Cocoa Kayaks. They provide kayaks, knowledgeable guides and pick up and drop off.

The Susquehanna River is truly beautiful as well and Blue Mountain Outfitters has everything you including rentals of canoes and kayaks.

Hiking

Looking for a beautiful hike that can be as long as you want? Access to the Horse Shoe Tail is less than a mile from the inn. It gently meanders along the Manada Creek through some pretty woods and along farm fields. The entire trail runs from Valley Forge to the Appalachian trail but you can choose to make your adventure the length that is best for you. Most guests enjoy going as far as the Swatara Creek and then retracing their steps. Totaling 3-4 miles. The history of the Trail is closely related to the development of the iron industry in this part of Pennsylvania during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The many furnaces and forges were connected by trails leading through the charcoal forests between them. Portions of these trails have survived to become today’s Horse-Shoe Trail. We’re also close to the Appalachian and many other trails. If you’re looking for more hikes, view this link.

Indian Echo Caverns

One of our areas surprises for both adults and kids, the Indian Echo Caverns are magical with beautiful geological wonders and a fascinating history.

Just about 10 minutes from the farm, there’s a petting zoo, great gift shop and a terrific mini-golf course, too. Check with us as we have discounted tickets.

Bicycle Trails

There are a number of great biking trails in the area including beautiful rail to trails. One of our favorites is the Conewago trail which connects with two other trails so that you make a pretty full day or maybe just an hour or two. Access is only 20 minutes from the farm. We also like the wonderful Jonathan Eshelman trail, a 13 mile route through the outskirts of Hershey.Rails to Trails Bike shop can provide rentals at very reasonable prices. Their website also includes a great trail map.

Roundtop Resort - Four Season Fun

A short 35 minute drive from the farm, Roundtop offers great skiing and tubing in the winter. You don’t have to worry about weather, they have the best snowmaking we have ever seen. First timers – they also have wonderful equipment rental and lessons.

Not a Snow Bunny – there is plenty of fun in the warmer months with paintball, ropes courses, zip lines, bumper boats, scenic chairlift rides and their very special and super fun OGO balls.

Lancaster County Covered Bridges and More

We can help turn country drive in a wonderful journey of discovery. In addition to being home to a very large Amish community, there are 27 covered bridges in Lancaster County. We are happy to help you plan scenic tours to the bridges as well as other memorable sites that you can find only in Central Pennsylvania. Buggy rides, beautiful quilts, artisan cheeses and more are waiting for you.

You can check out Real Lancaster County website for more info and we are also happy to help with directions.

Horse Back Riding

At the farm you are welcome to visit the barn but we do not offer riding. However here are two choices that guests really enjoy:

Ironstone Ranch in Elizabethtown, a quick 25 minute drive from Westwynd provides gentle, well-mannered horses and experienced guides to take you through their 275 acres of trails. The ranch offers rides for individuals, families, and larger groups all week long. Be sure to call in advance

For a truly unique experience, we recommend touring the Gettysburg Battlefield on Horseback. You really get a very different perspective. It is about an hour drive from Westwynd. Both Confederate Trails and Hickory Hollow Farm do a great job: You’ll see the Gettysburg Civil War Battlefield as the generals saw it – on horseback. Yesteryear and today blend as you enjoy that timeless transportation that was so key to the Civil War’s military – the horse. Be sure to make your plans in advance.